The #WomensWave is Coming to NYC

Women’s March NYC + the New York Immigration Coalition to co-host Women’s March in New York City on January 19, 2019

NEW YORK, NY - Just weeks after a historic number of women are sworn in as members of Congress, tens of thousands of New Yorkers will take to the streets as part of the third annual National Women’s March. The January 19, 2019 march, co-hosted for the first time by Women’s March NYC and the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC), is organized in coordination and solidarity with over 135 sister marches across the country and around the world.

The Women’s March in NYC will highlight the leadership of Black women and women of color including the diversity of women in the City’s immigrant communities as part of the national #WomensWave, and in response to the Trump Administration’s continued assault on immigrant communities and communities of color. Organizations, including grassroots advocates, nonprofit community organizations, labor unions and more, will rally and march to demand justice for women, communities of color, immigrant families, gender-nonconforming individuals, all-faith practitioners, and people with disabilities. In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 21st), organizers intend to integrate the work and spirit of Dr. King into the program.

“The third annual Women’s March in 2019 will mark nearly 100 years since women were granted the right to vote and nearly 51 years since human rights activist Martin Luther King was tragically killed. As the official NYC chapter of Women's March (part of the national & global movement), the significance of those two culture-shifting moments are not lost on us. On January 19th, we are reinvigorating and reimagining Dr. King’s vision of a more just America that does not discriminate on the basis of race, class, gender, ability, sexuality, religion, nationality, color or creed,” said Agunda Okeyo, Director of Women’s March NYC.

"At a time when immigrant communities are under constant attack by the Trump administration, we are excited to elevate immigrant women and represent our unique experiences. We stand with all New Yorkers who plan to march in January, and remain committed to promoting a culture of inclusivity for all,” said Kemah George, Manager of Community Engagement at the New York Immigration Coalition.

The coalition of NYC partners will release a collaborative state policy agenda to address issues such as gender equity, education, labor, criminal justice, immigrant rights, trans rights and human rights among others. The policy agenda will provide a strategic vision of how to encourage the New York State legislature and leadership to implement progressive policies that serve to strengthen local communities. Policy priorities include passing driver's licenses for all New Yorkers, an expansion of the Liberty Defense Project, and extending healthcare coverage for all New Yorkers, including all women and immigrants from across the state.

Background

The Women’s March in New York City is an event that welcomes adults, youth, families, elders and New Yorkers from all communities.

Women’s March NYC is the local New York City Chapter of the Women’s March Network and seeks to empower social justice work in the city. We are deeply invested in racial justice, gender justice, women’s rights, and voting rights which we address through special events, cross-community dialogue and creative direct action. We aspire to be a truly inclusive chapter, led by black women and women of color engaged in direct action year round with rooted partnerships to local organizations that align with our Unity Principles. We seek to amplify existing social justice organizing, plus produce WMNYC specific events and actions in the spirit of building a more inclusive city and state.

The New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) is an umbrella policy and advocacy organization for more than 200 groups in New York State. We envision a New York state that is stronger because all people are welcome, treated fairly, and given the chance to pursue their dreams. Our mission is to unite immigrants, members, & allies so all New Yorkers can thrive. We represent the collective interests of New York's diverse immigrant communities and organizations and devise solutions to advance them; advocate for laws, policies, and programs that lead to justice and opportunity for all immigrant groups; and build the power of immigrants and the organizations that serve them to ensure their sustainability, to improve people's lives, and to strengthen our state.